Polylactide films produced with bixin and acetyl tributyl citrate: Functional properties for active packaging |
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Authors: | Liana Stoll Sandra Domenek Simone Hickmann Flôres Sonia Marli B Nachtigall Alessandro de Oliveira Rios |
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Affiliation: | 1. Institute of Food Sciences and Technology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil;2. UMR SayFood, Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Massy, France;3. Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil |
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Abstract: | Packaging materials are decisive to preserve the quality and nutritional value of food. Polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with adequate mechanical properties for packaging applications, but its moderate oxygen barrier properties and high UV light transmission hamper its performance as packaging for oxygen- and light-sensitive products. Bixin, a carotenoid with coloring and antioxidant character, was used to improve the light barrier of PLA films plasticized or not with acetyl tri-butyl citrate (ATBC). The films were subjected to thermal treatment mimicking polymer processing temperatures. Despite more than 74 wt% of bixin degraded during heat treatment, films were still blocking up to 95% of UVA and 90% of UVB transmission. Plasticizing PLA with ATBC accelerated up to six times the bixin release into a food simulant, which allowed to reach relevant concentrations for food preservation. In conclusion, bixin is a promising natural antioxidant and UV-shielding additive of biodegradable packaging. |
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Keywords: | biodegradable biopolymers packaging renewable polymers |
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